Urban Sketching Tips for the Absolute Beginner

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[@mazkraut9776]

Lovely video! :) I have another little tip, too: it's less scary to start by sitting in a cafe when drawing, possibly even indoors. This is much less conspicuous and the windows can be used to frame the views, which is less overwhelming. Also, when the architecture feels too complex you can draw the cups and plates and teapot in front of you...

[@lenanana8]

Yes! Just make sure to ask permission first if the shop owner or any of the staff ask you about it, as you don't want them to think you are stealing a design of theirs for commercial redistribution! I once went to a small cafe which had really cute teapots and cups, and spent so much time just drawing those instead of the urbanscape outside!!

[@KittehNow]

Great comments

[@jojojo8835]

6:19 British variant sketching kit: thermal underwear, woolly hat, arctic waterproofs, thermos flask…. 😂

[@lizlei_art_and_skip]

Thank you Teoh, great video. I'm a new urban sketcher and I plucked up the courage to paint outside for the first time, when I was visiting the Peak in Hong Kong. I must say people do just stop and stare, talk, give you a thumbs up 😮 and one woman was videoing me - I guess when she looks back at the video, she'll realise what rubbish I had drawn 😅 At the 3rd attempt I finally felt I had calmed down and sketched something I was happy with. Should have started with pencil but I'd left mine at home. Anyhoo I had a blast, will try and get some fellow urban sketchers to join me when I'm back in the UK, now it's warmer 😊.

[@PaintinHiding]

I love everything Sharon said, very encouraging. Thank you for sharing so many advice Teoh, great content as always 🥰

[@Brontesister1]

Apart from all the useful and inspiring information and advice, it’s so great to see the streets of Singapore again!

[@helenmelton]

Teoh, I'm glad you're back to doing urban sketching videos outdoor. I missed that kind of content on your channel.

[@kindle7191]

I enjoy meeting your Sketchy friends! Hello from Canada.

[@writingraven3314]

Wow! Your friends' sketches are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@MyLifeInDebt]

Singapore looks gorgeous. Lots of different types of architecture

[@sarahhunnicutt3769]

Thanks for taking us all on location with you as well as giving us helpful tips. You’ll be delightful to see you sketch one of the hutongs one day.

[@lauriewarner4848]

I am sooooo happy I found you. You are brilliant, soothing, and offer some spectacular wisdoms. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@lynnbarclay4241]

I’ve always enjoyed your urban sketching videos. The scenery, artwork & sketchers are lovely. Thank you Teoh!

[@lynnbarclay4241]

I absolutely LOVE your urban sketching videos Teoh. Lovely scenery & artwork. Thank you!

[@isabellecade277]

thank you for this beautiful video and I'm glad to find you drawing outside Teoh ! all your advices are precious and so true, bravo to encourage the beginners in drawing, we don't see the time passing when we draw, and it's really a great hobby, a nice exchange with friends. 👏🏻👍🏼

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

This was definitely a fun & informative video for beginners learning how to urban sketch. I have done Plein Air sketching in my yard and around the family farm but not actual Urban Sketching. I love how you all get together to sketch & that there are various skill levels of artists. Such great tips from you and your friends. Lots of different things to find to sketch as well. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video! Have a great weekend!

[@shawnsauve7537]

Greetings from Southern California. Thank you for a great video Teoh! This Saturday I'm going out on my first adventure with a group of local Urban Sketchers I just found in my town. My drawing skills are beginner, watercolor a bit better. Your tips are excellent. I am now thrilled and terrified to out there and just do it! 😅

[@MohsinKhokhar1]

Yay! I have always enjoyed your outdoor videos the most. I love the energy they show. Thanks!

[@esthers5876]

All the shophouses are beautiful. Thank you for the great tips, Teoh!

[@KittehNow]

Gorgeous sketch

[@SusanCarlin]

Such a helpful video! Thank you, Teoh!

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

What a beautiful area and I love the sketch you demoed! So much interesting architecture to inspire you. Thanks for the video tips, it really does help get motivated to try urban sketching. Or better yet that I need to travel to see Singapore one day. Great video!

[@KittehNow]

Thank you, Teoh.. VERY helpful for this beginner

[@carlamariestudios]

Very good tips, Teoh. Thank you.

[@LSWUK]

Fantastic video Teoh. Thanks for the tips.

[@lynn_thinks]

Thanks, Teo! It’s great to review the basics!

[@daleshawn1910]

Love your style! So fresh and fun.

[@monica-NJ-123]

Thank you Teoh , very helpful tips , Sharon is right about enjoying the process 😊

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Teoh. I love the old buildings.

[@ChantelleArts]

Great tips! Lovely buildings to paint too

[@patti3d]

Thank you 🙏. This was very informative and inspiring. What a great idea to go with fellow artists!

[@robertcochran7103]

This is a very useful video for me because I can see myself trying to become an urban sketcher. I am definitely an absolute beginner.

[@poilapan]

Hello from Singapore, I enjoyed your video coverage here, it strongly reminds me of the shophouses within the Keong Saik and Neil Road areas. My second USK trip from years ago was at Outram Park area.

[@hayebina]

wow Im really tempted to start going out to try this now! :) Very nice advices thank you! All the work of the sketchers are really nice!

[@emilymaness]

This video is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much 😊

[@hansendesigns]

Miss u and ur art. I know you got the patreon crowd now but thought i’d just let you know. Best to you. 🌸

[@imogenekluson9702]

This was amazing and inspiring! A huge thank you!

[@lauriewarner4848]

The work shown is inspirational. So beautiful. I am so inspired… thank you so much.

[@PrimordialFire98]

Thank you for the usefull video! I really wanna begin with urban sketching eventually so this is definitly helpfull!

[@deborahrech7429]

Great video, useful info and lovely sketches.

[@mell5111]

Thank you I love your videos so much

[@scoiataeli]

What a lovely video 😊 One feels inmmediately inspired❤

[@agold1702]

Beautiful!

[@tholdenquinn]

Thank you! These are great tips. I’m going on my first sketching trip to Italy next month. Very helpful information.

[@suzannw9098]

Very helpful tips and the paintings are very inspirational.

[@ivyclark70]

This is great! You were standing in front of the building which used to be my school :) Great tips!

[@AGsBlog_]

I really like your video, great tips!

[@cherripaterson6066]

Very informative, on how to start out sketching, good tips, and advice, to just take your time not feel as if your competing with other more advanced sketchers. and starting with a small part of the scene, then gradually, adding more details, thanks for a good video.

[@lauriewarner4848]

Everyone really had great tips. You are all very talented. Thank them all!

[@crostofor]

cool stuff , good tips ✏️ 🎨

[@amarin8600]

Awesome KZbin video. I learned a lot

[@charlie1872]

We walked along that street. I didn’t have time to stop but think I did a couple of other sketches

[@jippalippa]

What a lovely area of town

[@debbyleiper8367]

No one will be looking at my sketches lol. Love the tips!

[@OkieSketcher1949]

While I do carry an over the shoulder bag for my watercolor sketch book, paints, brushes, etc. I also have a camp stool with an over the shoulder strap and there is a built in zippered bag attached to the seat canvas. It hangs below where you sit and is large enough to hold everything to include an A4 sketch book. Fairly light. Holds all I need. Easy to carry, and best of all is strong enough to allow me to sit on it.

[@BrandCampArt]

Thanks Teoh, loved the video and tips. I just requested to join my local Urban Sketching group!

[@teohyc]

Check out their Facebook group

[@jakublulek3261]

I never knew Singapore was this beautiful.

[@suegraceartist4776]

Thank you for introducing me to Urban Sketchers. The work I do as an artist is abstract painting, so your “group” totally shifts my perspective. Would you mind telling me what smartphone you like for photographing your references and your finished artwork?

[@teohyc]

I'm using iPhone 12 Pro max for recording this video. For finished artwork I will scan.

[@donnamullis3138]

Cool!

[@clayitnow]

Love this video. Everyone did very well. Their sketches look pro, not beginner😁 Missed Singapore though🥰

[@teohyc]

Everyone's a beginner once

[@jcookie9448]

Thank you! It's so hard to keep it light weight. I struggle with "art FOMO" so I always want to bring a little bit of everything haha. This was a great reminder! Have you looked into 'StablO nomadic easel' or similar designs? You "clip" the board to your sketchbook which keep the sketchbook open and there are some magnets for your watercolor palette. Would love to hear your thoughts about it (unless you're drowning in recommendations already)! It looks very handy though :)

[@teohyc]

It looks useful but it's also another extra item to bring out. If I'm using a 12-pan box, I'll have the box in hand and sketchbook on my lap, water wash bottle on the ground. I'm I'm using the Micro Portable Painter (I'm using this mostly), I'll clip that to the sketchbook. www.parkablogs.com/content/my-urban-sketching-setup-2020

[@awatercolourist]

2:34 GORGEOUS doors!!

[@MarikaIomaLantz]

Thank you for all the tips. Im going to my first US-meeting in a couple of weeks and I havnt even done an US before😮 I feel very very nervouse bc Im a total newbee. Hugs fron SWEDEN

[@teohyc]

Always use "what's that tool you're using" as the ice breaker

[@jangjs_sktchr]

wow ❤❤

[@sandjune2753]

Hi Teoh great video . nice to see others on the video too, with their comments. Did you say Emerald hill ?

[@teohyc]

Yes, it's Emerald Hill which is within Orchard Road area in Singapore

[@awatercolourist]

Singapore is very beautiful! I’d love to visit one day :)

[@PaintinHiding]

hiii ;P

[@awatercolourist]

@@PaintinHiding Hi Vee!! So nice to see you this side of KZbin 😃😃

[@PaintinHiding]

@@awatercolourist 🥰❤️

[@amyholderness8142]

I wanted to thank you for your videos. I've recently begun sketching and you mentioned Urban Sketchers in one of your posts. I looked them up and we have one in NYC. I've been looking for people to sketch with. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@jpmlna]

Great video! I keep refering back to it. I've finally got started on my outdoor sketching.Yaaay! I was wondering about 2 things: how often should I aim to sketch outside per week (minimum) and what time of the day would be best in Singapore (assuming it's a sunny day and I have the time)? 🤔 I would appreciate any advice.Thanks.🙂 Btw what day and time are you all out there - there doesn't seem to be many people around at that time, rather an ideal time to be out sketching.

[@teohyc]

Best time to sketch is early in the morning and late afternoon/evening where the temperature isn't as hot. During noon time, 10am to 3pm, it's best to stay indoors, or sketch indoors. That's my preference. I can't remember which day I was out but generally speaking, weekdays office hours will have the least people since people are working. During weekends, the city area will be kinda empty without people. As for how often you should sketch, it's really up to you and how much free time you have.

[@jpmlna]

@@teohyc Ahh! I'd forgotten that the financial district and its surroundings become like a 'ghost town' on weekends. I'll explore that area on weekends too. Thanks for the information. As a newbie to outdoor sketching, I get quite confused and fickle-minded when choosing a "good" time to go out. As least, now I have some direction. Thanks again !!! 😊

[@teohyc]

@@jpmlna You should join the Urban Sketchers Singapore group for their monthly sketchwalks which happens on the last Saturday of each month.

[@grobbosixtyone]

Great video and tips. I like Sharon’s little palette. Nice and thin. Can I ask what brand it is?

[@teohyc]

It looks like a palette from Art Toolkit. But there are other companies that sell the same palette. www.parkablogs.com/content/review-folio-palette-art-toolkit

[@awatercolourist]

4:23 I’m pretty sure that’s a baboon masquerading as a lion.

[@PaintinHiding]

🤣

[@juansantiago2986]

Teoh, what type of sketch book you recommend. Can I use any kind of paper?

[@teohyc]

That's a custom made sketchbook with Arches paper. You can see this page for reviews www.parkablogs.com/tags/sketchbooks-drawing

[@stephenmurphy8349]

Great video thanks! What is the fountain pen you are using?

[@teohyc]

Pelikan M200

[@stephenmurphy8349]

@@teohyc Thanks!

[@darinl9405]

Great job..so, what brand is your favorite watercolor brushes?

[@teohyc]

Da Vinci Mastreo, Da Vinci Casaneo

[@tempusfugit4545]

Hi I’m interested in how you use waterproof ink in a fountain pen without ruining the pen? I’d be grateful for your advice please. Thanks Mike

[@teohyc]

These are my recommended inks www.parkablogs.com/content/waterproof-fountain-pen-inks-drawing

[@dmitrijsbobrovs3862]

Hi Teoh, can you give advice about the best art store in Singapore by your opinion. I will be in Singapore on November due to business trip and want try to find dip pen nibs and other staff.

[@teohyc]

ArtFriend, Straits Commercial, Overjoyed. You can bookmark them on Google Maps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ67qWSZatetaLM

[@milenabdesign]

Such a lovely place! Is this a very fancy/expensive location in Singapore?

[@teohyc]

Kinda. It is beside Orchard Road, a popular shopping district

[@karenvc8005]

I see in your sketch you also focused on a main subject with more detail and range of color. The elements that are less important are simply less detailed.

[@paulappswildlifeart]

Hi Teoh, I hope you don’t mind this request, I am a creator in UK constantly trying to travel to urban sketch as lightly as I can. My problem is filming that experience, you seem to be hand holding your artwork and kit and filming the process right over the top, without shame movement of the artwork nor the camera. Including pulling in for tight shots. When I have tried something similar it gets in the way to view my work, shake, and moving the artwork off camera without realising. Would you possible be so very kind as to explain in detail how you go about doing it and the kit you use to achieve this part of the filming process. Any pis would be great too. Only if you do not mind . I can connect via other social media if it helps. Kindest best wishes Paul

[@teohyc]

I have a tripod with me to hold the phone. Shots where my two hands are seen were shot with the phone mounted to a Velbon small tabletop tripod with extension rod to make it taller. If you want a tripod, you can consider this one instead www.parkablogs.com/content/review-simorr-st30-selfie-tripod-and-smallrig-metal-smartphone-holder But that tripod cannot hold a mirrorless camera which is too heavy for the mount.

[@paulappswildlifeart]

@@teohyc Thank you for that info Teoh, very kind, Paul

[@barefacedquestions]

It seems like you used Portable Painter or something similar? I've been using water brushes in hope of not having to carry a water bucket, but I constantly find myself spending a lot of time washing brushes between color changes, and the water runs out quicker than I thought. So maybe using a water bucket is unavoidable after all.

[@teohyc]

Yes it's the Portable Painter

[@lenanana8]

My favorite tip is the one about sitting with your back against the wall - game changer! My tip would be (not related to the drawing process directly) to call out people who take pictures of you sketching and/or your artwork without asking you. It's nice if people are curious and they start a conversation, but they cannot take a picture with you in it or of your artwork without asking you for permission first. That's a violation of copyright and privacy ownership, and sets up an opportunity for anyone to steal your artwork and take credit for it. Just because we all have smartphones now and can take selfies, get internet access, etc. does not mean that we've lost the right of privacy. It doesn't matter whether you are an amateur, hobby artist or professional artist - you have all the rights of ownership to your creation, and if anyone tries to make a copy of it in any way it's a serious breach of ownership and copyright. Make sure you call out anyone who tries to take a picture or a copy of you or your artwork and tell them that they cannot do that without your permission. Also, for those of you who have a Kanken backpack: use the seat pad that comes with your backpack as a cushion when you sit down so you don't get a stiff butt hours later!

[@garymcguire8529]

So many lions in the land of the tiger? Singapore had tigers on it over a 100 years ago, yet the lion symbol dominates the island. A bit like Sri Lanka, with its references to lions, including the flag. A bit odd, unless this symbol was taken from eastern India, where they still have lions.

[@patti3d]

This town/city looks so clean. Very pretty!